News

Elders team extend helping hand to those affected by Sir Ivan bushfire

This February, the Sir Ivan bushfire devastated the Coolah, Cassilis and Dunedoo area in NSW burning over 50,000 acres in a single day and impacting the safety and livelihoods of farmers and their families. In support of a long term client, Elders’ teams from a range of products and locations gave up their time for a fencing day, both bringing them together and providing much needed assistance in a difficult time.

The idea came from Yass’ territory sales manager, Michael Coggan and grew from there to be a collaboration between over twenty Elders employees.

Mudgee’s branch manager Jason Pearce played a large part in organising the event and says the idea and motivation came from a desire to do more for their client after the initial weeks following the fire.

“After the initial donations of fodder and agistment had been utilised and appreciated, we figured there was definitely more we could do,” says Mr Pearce.

“What was originally planned to be a couple of us helping out worked out to be a big mix of Elders people – from area manager, product specialists, and stockies,” he says.

“We felt that it was not just the initial weeks after the fire where help was needed, but also the months after when the support had dried up.”

The team assisted long standing client, Ant Martin from Dalkeith Herefords who had 6000 acres burnt by the fires. Collectively, six kilometres of fencing was pulled down, showing a dedication to hard work and client focus that the group demonstrate both in and out of the office amongst their communities.

“I’m pretty proud of our efforts – this day was a really great way to bring people together who normally wouldn’t cross paths, spend time together away from the office, and help out an affected client.”